Rangpur secured a six-wicket victory over Barishal in the NCL T20, thanks to a brilliant bowling display from Alauddin Babu and a composed half-century from Anik Sarkar.
Barishal, asked to bat first after losing the toss, struggled from the outset. Nasir Hossain struck early, removing both openers. Iftikhar Hossain Iftee was caught at deep backward point for 4, while Rafsan Al Mahmud was bowled for 19 off 18 deliveries.
Salman Hossain Imon was stumped for 4 in the tenth over, triggering a collapse. Fazle Rabbi, who top-scored with 27 from 25 balls including three sixes, was bowled by Abdul Gaffar Saklain. From there, Alauddin Babu took control.
The right-arm seamer finished with outstanding figures of 5 for 16, dismantling Barishal’s middle and lower order. Sohag Gazi was dismissed for 13, while wicketkeeper Zahiduzzaman Khan remained unbeaten on 22. Barishal were restricted to 106 runs in their 20 overs. Nasir Hossain also contributed with the ball, taking 2 wickets for 16 runs, while Mushfiq Hasan, Hasim and Saklain picked up one each.
In reply, Rangpur lost two wickets inside the powerplay. Tanvir Haider was bowled for 4 by Tanvir Islam, and Abdullah Al Mamun made 24 from 18 before being dismissed in the final over of the powerplay.
Captain Akbar Ali could not capitalise on a start and was caught at mid-on for 17. Alauddin Babu, the bowling hero, lasted just one ball and was dismissed for a duck via a caught-and-bowled.
Anik Sarkar, however, held firm. The opener remained unbeaten on 54 off 35 deliveries, hitting three fours and five sixes. He was supported at the end by Nasir Hossain, who scored 9 not out. Rangpur chased down the target comfortably to seal a six-wicket win.
